<div>Hi all,
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<div>As dear friends and family of Sam and Aaron, we’re reaching out with heavy hearts to share their story. Just eight days into the new year wildfires tore through Altadena, destroying their home. Yet amidst the devastation, their yoga studio, Practice Altadena, miraculously remains standing—one of the few surviving businesses in their beloved community.
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<div>SAM &amp; AARON'S STORY
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<div>In May 2023, after over 15 years in New York, Sam and Aaron moved to Los Angeles to care for Aaron’s terminally ill father. They chose the peaceful mountain town of Altadena as their home, seeking a fresh start and a new rhythm far removed from the concrete and bustle of Brooklyn.
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<div>Shortly after arriving, Sam noticed a “FOR LEASE” sign in the window of a quaint storefront adorned with a handsome green barbershop awning on Altadena’s main drag. It had the potential to become something beautiful: Sam’s dream yoga studio. Taking a leap of faith, they signed the lease and embarked on a new chapter filled with hope and possibility.
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<div>Tragically, just two days before their wedding, Aaron’s father passed away. They began their married life carrying the weight of grief while channeling their energy into building a future together. Despite the challenges, their optimism and resilience brought Practice Altadena to life. The studio quickly became a sanctuary for movement, healing, and connection, and on December 17th, they celebrated its one-year anniversary.
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<div>Three short weeks after that celebration, the fires began.
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<div>As the unprecedented LA fires swept through the region, Practice Altadena was miraculously spared. Their home, however, was not as fortunate. With Aaron away on a work trip, Sam received the devastating news that fires had broken out in the foothills near their home and that the area was being evacuated. In the dead of night, she grabbed their two cats and, with little else, fled to safety. Tragically, their home did not survive the devastation—it has been reduced to ash and embers.
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<div>Now, Sam and Aaron face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
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<div>Sam and Aaron have always been the kind of people who give so much to others. Practice Altadena is not just a yoga studio—it’s a space where neighbors become friends, where healing and movement foster connection, and where light persists even in the darkest times.
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<div>By supporting Sam and Aaron, you’re not just helping them rebuild—you’re helping sustain the heart of a community they have poured so much love into.
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<div>HOW YOU CAN HELP
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<div>We’re asking for your support to help Sam and Aaron rebuild their home, sustain their yoga studio, and navigate this incredibly difficult chapter.
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<div>100% of your donations will go directly toward:
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<li>Rebuilding their lives and creating stability for their future.
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<li>Supporting Practice Altadena so it can continue serving as a space for healing and connection in this devastated community.
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<li>Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping them rebuild and heal. If you don’t have the means to donate, please share this campaign on your social media or with your friends and family.
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<div>GRATITUDE AND HOPE
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<div>We are endlessly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and support. Whether you donate, share this campaign, or send love their way, you’re helping Sam and Aaron move forward with hope in their hearts.
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<div>Thank you for standing with them in their time of need. Together, we can help them rebuild their lives and continue to bring light to Altadena.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85519889_1736442421168753_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/85519889_1736442435426931_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
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<div>Note for GoFundMe:
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<li>This fundraiser is being organized by Adam Carlson (a close friend) to raise funds for the benefit of Samantha Calvano and Aaron Maurer
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<li>They will be using these funds for living expenses, supporting the yoga studio (Practice Altadena) owned by Samantha, and to begin to replace the many things that they lost in the fire
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Anonymous

THE WORK by Ava

Shaunagh O'Connor

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nicholas g knudson

William Meny

Maxine M Clem

David and Erin Lawson-Stanford

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Vince and sue Dombrowski

Anne Legendy

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Pamela Ramadei

Help Sam and Aaron Rebuild Their Lives After the LA Fires

Help Sam and Aaron Rebuild Their Lives After the LA Fires

Still $8,743 to go. Help us build momentum.